High Job Security
Winthrop University’s Social Studies Education program boasts a 100% job placement rate.
There is a persistent high demand for SC teachers, with over 700 open teaching positions in the state each year.
Teachers in South Carolina earn a state-wide minimum of $48,500 for first-year teachers with a bachelor’s degree. Most counties pay above the state minimum: Greenville Schools start teachers at $52K ($56K with a master’s degree), Charleston Schools start at $67K ($70K with a master’s degree) and Rock Hill Schools start at $52K ($59K with a master’s).
Departmental Scholarships
Social Studies Education majors and Individualized Studies majors planning to teach are eligible for all History Department Scholarships. Applications for these scholarships are managed through the College of Arts & Sciences general scholarship application.
The Hayes Scott Heavner Scholarship
Awarded to a rising sophomore, junior or senior who intends to seek teacher licensure and to pursue a career in teaching. Preference is given to history majors and especially those who may also coach. The scholarship was established in memory of a Winthrop student Hayes Scott Heavner.
The National Society of Colonial Dames of America
This scholarship is open to students admitted to Teacher Education and who are pursuing certification in middle level social studies or secondary social studies. It is open to both undergraduates majoring in Middle Level Education (MLED) – social studies and Social Studies Education (SCST) and to graduate students in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in middle level social studies or secondary social studies. Preference will be given to students in the final year of their program. Applications will be reviewed by faculty in the Department of History.
College Level Scholarships
Students planning to teach social studies are eligible for College of Arts & Sciences scholarships and for teaching related scholarships in the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences. Applications are sent to eligible students each year.
SC Teaching Fellows Program
This program is designed to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession by providing generous scholarships for students who plan to go into teaching. Scholarships are valued at up to $6,000 annually, for a total of $24,000. Recipients must be high school seniors who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to the school and community, and a desire to teach in South Carolina.
SC Teaching Fellows Program Details
Palmetto Fellows and Life Scholarship Enhancement for Future Teachers
South Carolina has added an additional $7,500 incentive for future teachers to state lottery scholarship funding. Eligible students can receive up to $2,500 per year for three years (in addition to current Palmetto Fellowships or LIFE Scholarship Awards).
Palmetto Fellows and Life Scholarship Enhancement Details
South Carolina Teachers Loan Program
The SC Teachers Loan Program provides loans for education that are canceled by teaching in South Carolina public schools in an area of critical need or in critical geographical locations. Freshmen and sophomores may borrow up to $2,500 per year; juniors, seniors, and graduate students may borrow up to $7,500 per year.
South Carolina Teachers Loan Program Details
TEACH Grants
Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education grants provide approximately $4,000 per year for students to agree to complete a teaching service obligation as a condition for receiving the grant. For students who do not complete the service obligation, the grant is converted into a loan.
Palmetto Assistance Loan (PAL)
The Palmetto Assistance Loan is a state-supported education loan for students with no fees and a low, fixed interest rate. The minimum loan amount is $2,000, and students can borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus any other financial aid.
Palmetto Assistance Loan Details
TEACH South Carolina Scholarship
Anyone applying to a partnership institution to pursue teacher education can apply for $1,000 toward the cost of tuition. A separate application for reimbursement of up to $100 toward application costs and fees is also available.
TEACH South Carolina Scholarship Details
Jennie Rakestraw Student Success Fund
Winthrop University students enrolled in a teacher certification program can apply for funds to cover the costs of “certification, conference attendance, research opportunities, and career support resources.” Awards are generally under $250 and are available to undergraduate and graduate students.
